Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

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How’s this for gutsy? Sones de México Ensemble Chicago caused a stir in 2007 by releasing Mexican-folk adaptations of Zeppelin and Bach classics in the Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated album Esta Tierra Es Tuya (This Land Is Your Land). Now, the sextet is back with a bilingual, folkloric collection that doubles as a learning tool. Chock-full of traditional tales and melodies more than 300 years old, the recent Fiesta Mexicana: Mexican Songs & Stories for Niños & Niñas and Their Papás & Mamás spreads the regional song styles of Spanish-speaking countries. No wonder the ensemble is a certified nonprofit, dedicated to education. Learn something new with them at UVM this week, where they play rural traditions on more than 30 instruments. ¡Ay, caramba!